Good way to buy alot of pieces to start off building? Any tips for sta

[biggmo3]

I have accumulated alot of kits over the years but I am recently trying to build my own creations and one of the first things I want to build is like a city building to go with my modulars.

I was wondering if there was a way to instead of going to pick a brick or buying specific parts, to just take a lazier route and just buy alot of basic bricks that will help start the building process. I know lego sold those basic kits of standard pieces but those are all sold out. I basically mean like 2x4 bricks, 1x8 bricks, and all other essential bricks that people buy in bulk. I want to avoid just going to pick a brick because then it is way too specific and I would rather just have a big bin of pieces to start building.

Is there also a way to somehow get similar colors? All of my custom creations so far are just random colors and it doesn't really look too good all together having mixtures of red and white and blue, etc.

I have heard if you call a lego store they will be able to sell you a box of basic pieces that they put together?

Once I have gotten all of these pieces, what is the best way to start building something like a modular building or just anything in general? I have built legos for years, but I was always more of the type of person that followed the instructions and followed the themes (cue the message of the lego movie here lol)

Thanks so much!! Happy building

[notaromantic]

My own simple advice would be to know what you are going to build in advance, and then find/ order the parts you need to see your vision through. Its just the way my own brain works, I suppose. To have a lot of random parts has never really done me much good, while on the other hand, to have planned a project using references from other places, and to have drafted an idea then of what I'd need, that provided me much more benefit. And it kept my focus on the building, rather than on the buying.

Parts, in general, are not cheap these days - unless it is a huge lot of random pieces being sold - but chances are, those are the parts nobody uses much of, and hence, they are trying to unload them. Parts that used regularly now, because of modular building, demand a premium; sellers know what they're worth, and the secondary market is more of a competition and industry than is the primary market, I'd say. To amass a usuable set of pieces for whenever inspiration struck would be a grander headache than actually using those pieces.

The planning process is where its at - that'll at least key you into what exactly it is you are looking for. And that is invaluable - to know the direction you wish to take. That'll at least keep you objective when searching for, assessing, and purchasing large lots of parts. My own $0.02. Because there are only so many taps, or so many log bricks, or steering wheels, or bricks with clips on them, or 2x2 dishes, or plates with bars on them, or axes - that I can actually deal with. Whereas, 1x1 and 1x2 tiles, 1x2 bricks, modified rail plates, masonry bricks, 2x3 windows, etc.. - these are becoming difficult to find in quantity without having to visit several sellers or ordering overseas.

This isn't even considering different colors. The planning process clued me into all of that.

[Peppermint_M]

Hmm, this is a hard one. I mean, my collection is going on 19 years old now with added 80s hand-me-downs and I am still finding that PaB and bricklink is vital to specific projects. I think a better way of building up a stock for creating structures like houses and public/commercial buildings is simply to start buying the Creator houses and City street/square/building sets.

A great big box of random parts is great for creating vehicles and smaller buildings but any building needs many of a single element, that can't be supplied without bulk buying.

One great way to get what you need is to build the rainbow-way and then use that structure as a template for what parts you need to make the real MOC (LDD just isn't intuitive enough for me). Then PaB or Bricklink can supply what you need.

Even buying bulk mixed parts from eBay etc leaves a lot of leftovers you won't really use.

Not sure if that is the answer you were hoping for though!

[kurigan]

Craig's list and yard sales. To get a general start with no specific intentions, just find someone selling off their kids disused Legos and build from there. Family and friends can also be a source as such. Once you have a small collection with which to start out and experiment, you can supplement your supply for more specific plans with bricklink or the like. You can even sell off the less convenient elements in favor of ones you'd need once you've found a direction.

[Wardancer]

Some People sell sets without the figs. This can be a good way to get unused bricks. I for example bought the mines of Moria twice without figs just for parts.

[rodiziorobs]

Some People sell sets without the figs. This can be a good way to get unused bricks. I for example bought the mines of Moria twice without figs just for parts.

This is a great way that I have used, also. Especially for licensed sets, where people just want the minifigs, you can pick up the rest of the set (got mine from on eBay) for a huge discount--often 50% or more. You just have to educate yourself and be patient for the really good deals to come along.

Find a couple sets with pieces or colors you want, and put a bunch in your watchlist. Only bid if they are a good price, and learn from the other ones you aren't bidding on to see what the sets usually sells for.

For example, awhile back I was needing a lot of green and brown and tan pieces, so I watched the Shire, Warg attack, and Barrel Escape sets (without figs). I bid on a few, lost a bunch, but in the end, got one of the Shire and two each of the others, each for about 40-50% off MSRP. Obviously, I didn't get any minifigs nor most of the weapons or accessories, but I got a lot of parts in colors I wanted at a pretty good price. As always, YMMV.

[gazumpty]

I just keep my eye on eBay for lots or sets without figs. I only really venture to Bricklink if I know exactly the type of brick/ piece I lack in my own stock. the Lego wall is often good for a wee peruse to see if I can stock up on standard parts...plus its always a good excuse to go to the store!

[zmasterbrick]

I started over about a year ago or so with my collection. I spent a couple of days searching a Bricklink store for an inventory that I was looking for. I contacted the owner, told him my interest in buying most of his lot, haggled out a bulk discount, and free shipping! It worked out awesome. Also, as many have already stated, Ebay can be a winner too.